Ham package and support therefor



Mll'dl 3 1959 E. J. RoBER-rsoN E'rAL 2,876,114

HAM PACKAGE AND SUPPORT 'mEREFoR Filed sept. 1. 1955 6 sheets-slm*u 1 March 3, 1959 J. RoBERTsc-:N E TAL 2,876,114 HAM PACKAGE AND su'pom'1.-HE'R1-:F0 Rv Filed sept. 1. 1955 e sheets-sne Mardi 3, 1959 E. J. RoBER'rsQN ETAL 2,876,114

HAM PACKAGE AND SUPPORT THEREFOR Filed Sept. 1. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mardi 3 1959 E. J. ROBERTSON ETAL 2,876,114

v HAM PACKAGE AND SUPPORT THEREF'OR Filed Sept. 1. 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mardi 3, 1959 E. J. ROBERTSON ETAL 2,876,114

HAM PACKAGE AND SUPPORT THEREFOR Filed sept. 1. 1955 5 sheets-sheet 5 March 3, 1959 E. J. ROBERTSON ETAL 2,876,114

HAM PACKAGE AND SUPPORT THEREFOR Filed Sept. 1. 1955 l 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States `Patent O 2,816,114 HAM PACKAGE AND surronr manson Edwin J. Robertson and Joseph B. Cralne, Chicago, lll.,

asslgnors to Wilson & Co., Inc. Application September l, 1955, Serial No. 532,012 19 Claims. (Cl. 99114) This invention relates to a display support for articles of irregular shape, such as ham butts or shanks, com prising a cradle adapted to lit sucharticles individually to provide an attractive display package that may be readily stacked, shipped and handled without damage more than a single layer and provide a neat, attractive display. In the case of self-service stores the additional problem of handling is involved. 'Manycustomers handle several ham butts or shanks in attempting to select the best, and replace thel ones not selected in a very carelessvmanner that may damage the wrapper. cases where the wrapper is torn the hams discolor and require refacing and rewrapping if they are not soldsoon. The expensiveness of mass display. of ham butts and shanks is so great, because of the costs incidental to such damage, that many dealers make no attempt to display them, and thus the market potential of the products is decreased. v

In accordance lwith the present invention, ham butts and shanks are wrapped in suitable transparent material and then secured in an individual cradle formed ol` corrugated board, liber board, plastic or other suitable materials having adequate dimensional stability to support the weight of the ham lbutt or shank and to cushion it against damage due to friction or shock in transit or handling, so that each ham butt and shank is in condition for display when it reaches the retailer. The ham butt or shank is held in the cradle by pressure sensitive tape, cloth, or other suitable binding material.

'Ihe cradle may be made in several diiferent styles, as hereinafter described, and each style will dier in its shape in accordance with its intended use, that is,-whether it is to be used to support a ham -bu'tt'or a ham shank. The particular shape o fv ham shanks makes it necessary Most retailers prefer to ICC preferably pressure sensitive tape, it may be gummed paper, shrinkable paper of lilm, wire, or string.

The structure by which the above and other advan tages ofthe invention are attained will be described in the following specification, taken in' conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing several preferred illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which:

Figure l is a perspective view o'f a display package with an irregularly shaped' ham butt lirmly held in a support cradle with the cut face of the ham exposed through a transparent, protective wrapping;

. Fig. 2'is a cross sectional view of the support cradle, taken along the line 2-2 ofl Fig. 3, with the ham butt outlined in dotted lines;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cradle,

v'taken along vthe line 3 3 of 2, with theham butt outlined in dotted lines;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view, taken along the line 4--4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. v5 is a plane'view of the blank from which the cradle Vof Fig. 1 is formed;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail perspective view of one 1 end of the blank partially folded into position to form the cradle;` Y'

Fig. 7 is a perspectivel view'of the cradle for a ham butt as shown in Fig. 1;

v Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a display package showing a ham shank supported inv a dierent style Fig. 9 isa perspective view of the cradle shown in Fig. s. Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view of the blank from which the cradle of Fig.v 8 is formed;

Fig. l1 is a sideelevational view of a display pack age showing a cradle similar to that of Fig. 8, but with a ham butt mounted therein;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic planview `of the blank'for the cradle of Fig. 11; l

Fig. I3 is a perspective view ofv the cradle of' Fig. 1l; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cradle;

to dimension the cradle to bring the center of the base panel as close as possible to the center of gravity of the ham shank in order to attain a position of maximum stability for the ham shank. A horizontal band of pressure sensitive tape is wrapped around both the cradle and the ham butt or shank as tightly as possible to prevent shifting of the ham relative to the cradle.v A second band of tape is applied as tightly as possible in a vertical plane about the hamtbutt or shank 4and the cradle to help bind the cradle to the ham butt or shank. 'Ihe positioning of the tapes along the center of gravity lines provides a package in which the weight of the ham does not cause any substantial structural pressureon the 4package. The cradle merely provides balance 'for'the package and stability is attained'with'comparatively weak structural materials. Although the binding material is cradle of Fig. 2 7;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the cradle of Fig. 14; I

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the blank cradle of Figs. 14 and 15;.

Fig. l7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cradle;

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the .blank for forming the cradle of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view, taken along the line 19-19 of Fig. 17; 'l

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of one end ofthe cradle of Fig. 17;

Fig.` 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cradle;

for forming. the

Fig. 22 is a plan view of the blank for forming the cradle of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the cradle of Fig. 21 in partially assembled position;

Fig. 24 isa perspective view of another embodiment of the cradle;

Fig. 25 is a plan view of the 'blank for forming the cradle of Fig. 24;

Fig.l 26 is a cross sectional view, taken generally along l the line 2 6-26 o f Fig. 24, but showing one side of the cradle unfolded; l

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment ofthe cradle;

Fig. 28 is a plan view of the blank for forming the Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the cradle of Fig. 27 in partially assembled position; and

Fig. 30 is a side elevational view of a ham shank secured in another embodiment of the cradle.

Referring to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the blank for forming the cradle of Fig. l comprises a bottom panel 2, a pair of bottom reinforcing panels 3 and 4, a pair of end panelsS and 6, and comer cushioning members 7, 8, 9 and 19. The blank is scored to provide two longitudinal fold lines 11 and 12 which reline the sides of bottom panel 2 and end panels 5 and 6. A transverse score provides a fold line 13 which separates end panel from one end of bottom panel 2,.and a similar fold line 14 separates end panels 6 from the opposite end of the bottom panel. A slit 15 extending from one edge of theblank to fold line 11 separates one end of bottom reinforcing Lpanel 3 from corner member 7, and a similar slit 16 separates the opposite end of panel 3 from corner member 8. The ends of `panel 4 are Simillfll' Parated from corner members 9 and 10 by slits 17 and 18, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 5, panels 3 and 4 are each'shorter than-bottom panel 2 and are centrally disposed relative to the bottom panel. Panel 3 is folded upwardly and inwardly to jmtapose it on panel 2, and panel 4 is folded upwardly and inwardly to jnxtapose it on top of panel 3 to provide a bottom of triple thickness for the cradle. The blank is preferably of corrugated paperboard, and, although the reinforced bottom has considerable rigidity to prevent-failure of the cradle in use, n

it has sutllcient cushioning effect to protect a ham packaged therein. The end panels 5 and 6 are folded upwardly along lines 13 and 14, respectively, to extend upwardly at right angles to the opposite ends of panel 2.

The corner members 7, 8, 9 and 10 are duplicates, except that they are reversed, and therefore only one will be described in detail. Corner member 7 comprises a triangular side panel 19, a bottom ap 20, a trapezoidal panel 21, and a triangular ap 22. The right angle sides of panel 19 are separated from end panel 5 and bottom ap 20 by fold lines 11 and 23, respectively. Fold line 23 is aligned with fold line 13.

is separated from the outer edge porof panel 2 by a slot 11' which coincides with line 11 and extends from slit 15 to fold line 23. side of panel 19 terminates at a fold line one of the parallel sides of panel 21. tends from fold line 11 to the outer 23. Theother parallel side of panel separated from corner ap 22 by a fold line 25. end panel 5 has been folded upwardly along fold line 13 at right angles to bottom panel 2, flap 20 is folded inwardly along fold line 23 and panel 19 is folded inwardly along fold line 11 to position tlap 20 under one end of panel 2. Flap is preferably secured to the underside of panel 2 by staples or some other suitable means, such as adhesive. Panel 21 is then folded inwardly along fold line 24 to form a cushioning member, and corner flap 22 is folded downwardly along fold line 25. Although we have described the folding operations relative to one corner member 7, it will be understood that all comer members may be folded simultaneously.

In the assembled position of the cradle, cushioning panels 21 extend angularly at the ends in spaced relationship to bottom panel 2 and end panels 5 and 6, so tlnt when a ham butt 26 is positioned in the cradle, panels 21 will give slightly to allow them to conform to the irregular shape of the ham butt. The bottom round end of the ham butt is supported by the reinforced bottom of the cradle, and the sides of the ham are supported along opposite ends by cushioning panels 21 andend panels y5 and 6.

The ham butt is preferably sealed in a transparent protective wrapping 21 before it is seated in the Qfedle with its cut surface exposed at top. A strip 28 of pressure sensitive tape or similar material is applied to the outside of the wrapped ham and the outer surfaces of end panels 5 and 6, as shown in Fig. 1. The ends of strip 28 are pulled tightly to cause the upper portions of end panels 5 and 6 to conform to the shape of the sides of the ham butt. A similar strip 29 is applied transversely across the top of the wrapped ham butt and the underside of bottom panel 2. Strips 28 and 29 are positioned to coincide with the center of gravity lines of the package so that the weight of the ham does not introduce any substantial structural pressure on the package, and stability is attained even when the cradle is made of structurally weak material. Strips 28 and 29 cooperate to prevent the ham from shifting in any direction relative to the cradle. The tlat surface of the bottom of the cradle and the relative flat surfaces of end panels 5 and 6 of the completed package enable a plurality of packages to be packed closely together for storage or shipment without substantial waste space between the individual packages. Each cradle is sufficiently tlexible to enable it to snugly lit any ham butt of approximately normal size, even though each ham butt may vary slightly in its dimensions.

The wrapping 27 is preferably transparent, but may be colored or printed to provide any desired decorative effect. The strips 28 and 29 may also be transparent, or may be colored to harmonize with or contrast with the exposed surface of the cradle to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the display package. Strips 28 and 29 may also be printed, if desired.

Although the cradle has been described in particular relationship to a ham butt, it should be understood that it may be used to support a ham shank or other irregularly shaped article. It may also be used merely as a supporting member where no display function is desired.

A ham packaged as described above has a very valuable advantage beyond the protection and the attractive display features that have already been mentioned. lf the package is opened, any attempt to remove a substantial quantity of the ham will alter the size of the ham, relative to the cradle, so that the tampering will be obvious. This characteristic of the package makes it impossible for a retailer to cheat a customer by removing some of the choice slices of ham adjacent the cut face, and then selling the rest of the ham at the same price as if the choice slices were not removed.

In Figs. 8, 9 and 10 we have disclosed a very inexpensive type of cradle comprising a single strip 30 of corrugated board or other suitable material folded transversely to provide a bottom panel 31 at approximately the center of the strip and upstanding end panels 32 and 33 on opposite ends of the bottom panel. A panel 34 adjacent the opposite end of panel 32 is folded in juxtaposition to panel 32 and an outer panel 35 is positioned on top of the center portion of bottom panel 32 with a cushioning panel 36 disposed angularly between the ends of panels 34 and 35. A cushioning panel 37 extends angularly downwardly from the upper end of panel 33 and the other outer panel 38 extending from the lower end of panel 37 is juxtaposed on top of panel 35. Panels 35 and 38 are secured to bottom panel 31 by staples or adhesive to hold the cradle in position to receive a ham. The particular arrangement of panels 34, 36 and 37 adapts this cradle to receive a ham shank 39, as shown in Fig. 8. The ham shank is wrapped in transparent protective material as described in connection with the ham butt shown in Fig. l, and is secured to the cradle by tapes 28 and 29.

The embodiment of Figs. ll, 12 and 13 is essentially the same as that of Figs. 8, 9 and l0 except that the cradle is adapted to receive a ham butt, and the outer panels are abutting instead of overlapping each other. A strip 40 is folded to provide a bottom panel 41, upstanding end panels 42 and 43, panels 44 and 45 folded downdesired.`

In the'entbedtment of Figs. 14, 1s and 1s the blanc provides a bottom Vpanel 50 with end panels 51 and -52 adapted to lzietfoldedv upwardly at opposite ends thereof.

End panel 51 has a pair of triangular side panels 53 and 54 foldable along aline coinciding with opposite sides of the end panel. Abottom ap 55 extends fromone edge of panel 53, and asimilar flap 56 extends from one edge of -panel 54.` At the oppositev end of the cradle panels 57 and 58 and flaps 59 and60 are similar to panels53 and 54 and flaps 55 and 56, respectively. The cradle is assembled byfolding end panels 51 and 52 upwardly 'at right angles to bottom panel 50.A Side panels 53, 54, 57 and 58 are then folded inwardly .atright angles'to end panels 51` and 52, and'nally flaps 55, 56, 59 and 60 are folded upwardly against therunderside'of bottom panel 50 and secured 4thereto by staples or adhesive.

The `cradle of Figs. 14, l5 and 16 .is suitable for packaging either a butt or.- shank, the only difference being that-longer end and side panelsare provided-for shanks. In either case the end panels are pulled into close contact. with the sidesof the Ybutt or shank by tape 28v and conform to the contour of the contiguous portion of the vham supported therein. *The sidepanels v531, 54, 57 and 58 subfold lines to form a pair of cushioning panels 73 adjacent each end of the cradle.

Cushioning panels 73 extend angularly from the end panel to the outer end of slot 72. Slot 72 is preferably spaced from the bottom of the cradle to provide a short opstanding flange 74 which providesV some rigidity to the side wall of the cradle. A flap 75 l extends from the inner edge of each cushioning panel 73 stantially increase'thfestrength of the cradle because they resist movement of thev adjacentportions ofthe cradle.

In the embodiment-of Figs. 1'7 to 20 the ends of the cradle are provided with vcushioning members. The blank comprises a-single strip 61 of corrugated lboard or other suitablematerial scored to provide an end panel 62 at one end of the strip adapted to be secured at its free edge to the free edge of a side panel 63 at the opposite endl of strip 6l. Side panel 63 vis separated from another end panel 64 by a fold line extending transversely of strip 6l.- A fold line at the opposite edge of end panel 64- separates it from another side panel 65 interposed between end panels 62 and 64. The free edges of end panel 62 and side panel 63 are secured together by adhesivev tape to form a rectangular figure open atA the top and bottom. lf desired, a flap may be extended from either panel 6.2 or 63 to overlap the free edge of the other panel and be secured thereto b y staples or other suitable fastening means.

Each of panels 62, 63, 64 and 65 is scored along a longitudinal line spaced from one edge of the panels a distance equal approximately to half the width of end panels 62 and 64 to form aps 66, 67, 68 and 69. Each of these ilaps is folded at right angles to the plane of its respective panel, and llaps 66 and 68 are secured to opposite ends of llaps 67 and 69, by staples or adhesive, to form a bottom for the cradle. Side panels 63 land 65 are duplicates, and only one will be described. The upper edge of each side panel is notched to provide a V-shaped recess 70 centrally of the panel. A slot 71 extendingA transversely of strip 61 from the bottom of notch 70 ter-` minates in a longitudinal slot 72 which extends equal distances on both sides of slot 71 along a line at right angles to slot 71. Slot 72 is shorter than the width of the upper portion of notch 70 and is'spacedr a short distance above the fold line which separates bottom flap 67 from side panel 63.

Each side panel is providedA with a pair of parallel fold lines on both sides of slot 71. One fold line of each pair extends diagonally from one end of slot 72 to the upper, outer end of the side Apanel closest thereto. The distance between the foldlinesofleachpair is approximately equal to one half the width of end panels 62 and 64. The side panels are folded inwardly along each of the diagonal tends from each to the: adjacent end panel. Cushioning panels 73 are vadapted to tit against the sides of a ham mounted in the cradle of this embodiment to provide a resilient support therefor. ,Y

t The embodiment shown in Figs.21,v22,and 23 is similar to'that shown in Figs.; 1v to 7... The blank, shown in' Fig. 22, Vcomprises'a bottom panel'76 and end panels 77 and 78 at opposite ends thereof. Bottom reinforcing panels 79 and 80 extend. from oppositeedges of bottom panel'76 andare separated therefrom by short slots 81 and 'fold' lines connecting the ends of aligned slots.

Panels 79-and v80 are each folded V inwardly-to form three juxtaposed llayers forming the ,b 'ottomvof the cradle.

Ends 77 and 78 are folded upwardly at right 'angles and then corner' portions 82 are folded'inwardly withl bottom https-83 interposed between`v ,bottoni` panel 76 and panels 79 and 80.` Each ap 83 is provided with a notch 84 which engages the inner end of slot 81 to hold the -K corner pieces in place. Each corner piece l82 is pro- `vided with a pair of diagonall fold lines to provide trapezoidal cushioning-panels 85 extending angularly be tween theA end panels and the bottom. A iiap 86 expanel. t l n In the embodiment of Figs. 24 to 26 the blan" is provided with an end panel 87l at one end, a side panel 88 adjacent saidend panel, a second end panel 89, and a side panelf90 at the oppositeend ofv the blank. The

-free edges of end panel-v 87 and side panel 90 maybe vsecuredtogether by. adhesive tape, or either panel may beprovided with a ap adapted to .overlap the free edge of the other and to be secured thereto `by staples or adhesive.

Each of panels 87,v 88,l 89 and 90 is scored along a longitudinal line spaced from one edge of the panels a distance equal to half the width of the end panels to form tlaps 91, 92, 93 and 94 foldable inwardly to form the bottom ofthe cradle.v Flaps 91 and 93 are secured to opposite ends of aps 92 and 94 by staples or adhesive. Side panels 88 and 90 are duplicates. Each side panel is slotted to form a tab 95 foldable against the bottom of the cradle and secured thereto in any suitable manner. folding of the side panels to form trapezoidal cushioning -panels 98 at each 'end with a tlap 99 extending from each panel 98 to th e adjacent end panel.

The embodiment of'Figs. 27 to 29 is particularly adapted for the use of-thin cardboard instead of corrugated The blank comprises a bottom panel 100 having end flaps 101 extending from opposite edges thereof'and a side panel 102 adjacent one side separated therefrom by a fold line.v End iiaps 103 and 104 ex-` ;tend from opposite edges of panel 102. A top -p'anel aps 109 and 110 extend from opposite edges of panel l Top panel 105 is provided with a pair of parallel fold .I lines 111 and 112 extending transversely thereof a short distance inwardlyvof the inner ends ofend aps 106.

` Afsmall portion of ,panel 102 is cut away, as indicated atv 113,l and the panel is slit along diagonal lines 114 and 115 extending from the outer ends of cut out 113 to the closest end of score lines 111 and 112, respectively. Panel 107 is smiliarly cut and slitted. The blank is slit along line 116 from one cut out 113 tothe cushioning panel'85 to the adjacent end Diagonal fold lines 96 and 97 facilitate 7 other. Side panels 102 and 107 are each provided with fold lines 117 and 118 extending angularly from slit 116 to slits 114 and 115 respectively.

Slit 116 divides the inner portion of side panels 102 and 107 and top panel 105 into two oppositely disposed symmetrical wing sections separated completely from the side panels and connected to the top panel along fold lines 111 and 112, respectively. These sections are each divided by fold lines 117, 118 and the fold lines defining the sides of top panel 105 into a center panel 119, two intermediate panels 120, and two terminal panels 121.

In order to set up the cradle of this embodiment, bottom panel 100 and top panel 105 are folded in parallelism and side panel 107 is folded parallel to side panel 102. Flap 108 is then adhered to the adjacent edge of bottom panel 100. End flaps 103, 104, 109 and 110 are folded inwardly to close opposite ends of the cradle. Center panels 119 are folded downwardly into contact with the angular edges of side panels 102 and 107. Panels 120 are folded into juxtaposition with adjacent side panels 102 and 107 and terminal panels 121 are folded into juxtaposition with end flaps 103 or 109. End flaps 101 are then folded upwardly and end flaps 106 are folded downwardly into abutting relationship in juxtaposition with terminal aps 121. The abutting edges of end flaps 101 and 106 are secured together by adhesive or pressure sensitive tape 122 which extends around the sides and is adhered to the outer surface of panels 120. When a ham is placed in the cradle the panels 119 act as cushioning members. The ham may be secured to the cradle by bands 28 and 29 just as in theother embodiments.

The cradles illustrated in Figs. 17 to 29 are each designed for use with a ham butt. However, the structural features of each of these embodiments may be incorporated into cradles adapted for use with ham shanks. The only difference would be the different shape of the cushioning members and the side panels.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 30. the cradle comprises a pair of strips 123 and 124 of vpaperboard superimposed and stapled together, as indicated at 125. The upper strip 123 is folded upwardly in contact with the edges of the ham shank 126 which is wrapped in a transparent protective wrapper 127. A band 128 of pressure sensitive tape, or other suitable material, is wrapped tightly around the outside of strip 123 and the lower portion of the wrapped shank, to secure the strip 123 and the ham shank against relative movement. The lower strip 124 is bent upwardly at right angles in the planes tangential to the outer edges of the ham shank and are juxtaposed against the upper ends of strip 123. A band 129 of pressure sensitive tape or other suitable material is wrapped tightly around the upper portion of the wrapped ham shank and the strip 124 to secure both strips 123 and 124 in place. lf desired, the upper ends of strips 123 and 124 may be stapled together to prevent any slippage.

Although we have described preferred embodiments ofour invention in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive, as many details of the structure may be modified or changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, we do not desire to be restricted to the exact construction described.

We claim:

1. A ham display package comprising a cradle support having a tiat bottom, a pair of end walls extending upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom, a plurality of cushioning members extending angularly between each of said end walls and said bottom, a ham of irregular shape seated on said support bottom, said support bottom being positioned with its center in approximate vertical alignment with thevertical center of gravity of said ham, said ham engaging said cushioning members and said end walls, said ham having a cut surface facing upwardly in visible position between the planes of said end walls, an adhesive strip extending substantially horizontally around the sides of said ham, said strip being adhered to the outer surface of said end walls to hold said end walls against said ham, and a second adhesive strip extending vertically around said ham and adhered to the underside of said tiat bottom, said adhesive strips being aligned with the center of gravity lines of the package so as to enhance the stability of the package by preventing the weight of the ham from exerting any substantial structural pressure against the cradle support.

2. A ham display package comprising a cradle support having a fiat bottom, a pair of end walls extending upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom, a plurality of cushioning members extending angularly between each of said end walls and said bottom, a ham of irregular shape seated on said support bottom, said support bottom being positioned with its center in approximate vertical alignment with the vertical center of gravity of said ham, said cushioning members and end walls being positioned adjacent side portions of said ham, and a tape alignedl with the vertical center of gravity line of said ham, said tape holding said end walls and cushioning members in contiguous relationship to the outer surface portion of the sides of said ham so as to enhance the stability of the package.

3. A ham display package comprising a cradle support having a at bottom, a pair of end walls extending upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom, a plurality of cushioning members extending angularly between each of said end walls and said bottom, a ham of irregular shape sealed in a transparent protective wrapping and seated on said support bottom, said support bottom being positioned with its center in approximate vertical alignment with the vertical center of gravity of said ham, said cushioning members and said end walls snugly engaging surface portions of the sides of said ham, and a pair of strips of adhesive tape extending around said wrapped ham and said' cradle support in alignment with the vertical and horizontal center of gravity lines of said ham, to hold said ham against accidental displacement from said cradle support in any direction so as to enhance the stability of the package by preventing the weight of the ham from exerting any substantial structural pressure against the cradle support.

4. A ham display package comprising a strip member having superimposed base panels secured together, a ham of irregular shape positioned on said superimposed base panels, the vertical center of gravity of said ham being approximately aligned with the center of said superimposed base panels, said strip member having panels extending upwardly in contiguous relationship to opposite edges of said ham, the lowermost base panel extending outwardly to the vertical planes defining the outermost edge portions of said ham, vertical panels extending upwardly from the ends of said lowermost base panel, and adhesive tape extending horizontally about the upper ends of each of said upwardly extending panels and holding the same tightly against the edges of said ham so as to enhance the stability of the package.

5. A one-piece support cradle for holding an article of irregular shape in display position, said cradle comprising a hat bottom, a vertical end wall extending upwardly'at each end of said bottom, and panels integral with each end wall and foldable relative to each of said end walls, said last mentioned panels being adapted to restrain relative movement between said end walls and said bottom.

6. A support for articles of irregular shape, said sup-v port comprising a at bottom, two upstanding end walls, and a plurality of integral corner cushioning members extending angularly downwardly between each end wall and said bottom.

7. A one-piece support for articles of irregular shape, said support comprising a llat bottom, a pair of parallel end walls extending upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom, and an integral extension projecting laterally from opposite sides of each end wall, each of said extensions being foldable to provide cushioning members extending angularly downwardly between said end walls and said bottom of each end of said support.

8. A one-piece support for articles of irregular shape comprising a at bottom, two end walls extending upwardly from opposite ends of said'bottom, and a plurality of integral cushioning members at each end of said support, said cushioning members being individually flexible to conform to the shape of contiguous portions of an article mounted in said support.

9. vA blank for forming a support which comprises a single sheet of paperboard cut and scored to pr'ovide a bottom panel, two bottom reipforcing panels of less length than said bottom panel, two end panels, and corner extensionsv projecting laterally from opposite sides of each end panel, each of said corner extensions comprising a triangular side panel, a bottom ap, a trapezoidal panel, and a triangular flap.

10. In a support member having a flat bottom and an upstanding end wall, a corner structure comprising an integral extension projecting laterally from said end wall and foldable to provide a triangular side panel having one edge contiguous to one side of said bottom and another edge disposed angularly between said end panel and said bottom, a cushioning panel folded inwardly at right angles from said angularly disposed edge, and a flap foldable downwardly from the inner edge of said cushioning panel.

11. A one-piece support forarticles of irregular shape, said support comprising an elongated strip of material folded along transversev lines to provide a bottom, two upstanding end walls, cushioning members extending angularly from the upper edge of each 'of said end walls j to said bottom, and a terminal panel extending from the lower edge of each of said cushioning members, said ter minal panels being secured to said bottom.v

12. A one-piece support for articles of irregular shape, said support comprising an elongated strip' of `material folded along transverse lines to provide a bottom, two upstanding end walls, cushioning membersy extending angularly from the upper edgeof each of said end walls to said bottom, each of said cushioning members being arranged to conform generally to the shape ofthe contiguous portion of an article positioned in said support,

and a terminal panel extending from the lower edge of each of said cushioning members, said" terminal panels i being secured to lsaid bottom.

13. A support for articles of irregular shape, said support comprising a bottom panel, an end panel integral with one end of said bottom panel and foldable into upstanding position relative thereto, triangular side panels foldable at right angles to opposite sides of said end panel, and a flap integral with each of said side panels, said aps being foldable into juxtaposition with said bottom panel and adapted to be secured thereto.

14. A support cradle comprising a pair of parallel side walls and a pair of parallel end walls, the free edge of one end wall being secured to the free end of one side wall to provide a hollow rectangular shape for said cradle, a ap foldable inwardly from the lower edges of each of said side walls and end walls, said end wall aps being secured to opposite end portions of said side wall naps to form a bottom, and each of said side walls being cut and scored whereby portions thereof maybe folded to provide cushioning members extending angularb! between each end wall and said bottom.

15. A support cradle comprising a bottom panel having reinforcing panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges thereof, end panels foldable upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom panel, side panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges of each of said end panels, portions of said side panels being foldable inwardly to form cushioning members extending angularly from each of said end panels, and bottom flaps foldable upwardly from the lower edge of each of said side panels, said bottom aps being insertable between said bottom panel and said reinforcing panels.

16. A support cradle comprising a bottom panel having reinforcing panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges thereof, end panels foldable upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom panel, side panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges of each of said end panels, and bottom aps foldable upwardly from the lower edge lo-f each of said side panels, said bottom aps being insertable between said bottom panel and said reinforcing panels.

17. A support cradle comprising a bottom panel having reinforcing panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges thereo-f, end panels foldable upwardly from opposite ends of said bottom panel, side panels foldable inwardly from opposite edges of each of said end panels, portions of said side panels being foldable inwardly to form cushioning members extending angularly from each of said end panels, and bottom flaps foldable upwardly from the lower edge of each of said side panels, said bottom aps being secured to said bottom panel.

18. A support cradle comprising a bottom panel, two parallel side panels, a top panel, a ap on one of said side panels adapted to be secured to said bottom panel to provide a hollow rectangular shape for said cradle, aps foldable from opposite ends of eachvof said side panels to form end walls, and two -oppositely disposed symmetrical wing sections cut from said side panels and connected to said` top panel by fold lines, each of said wing sections being foldable-across said cradle to form cushioning members at each end ofsaid cradle.

i v1.9. A support cradle comprising .a bottom panel, two parallel side panels, la top panel, a flap on one of said side panels adapted to be secured to said bottom panel to provide ahollow rectangular shape for said cradle,

aps'foldable from opposite ends of each of said. side panelsto form end walls, and two oppositely disposed symmetrical wing sections cut from said side panels and :connected to said top panel by fold lines, each of said wing sections being foldable across said cradle to'form cushioning members at each end of said cradle, the'terlminal portions of said wing sections being secured between said end flaps.

References Cited in the vle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Miner -.---l-.--....--. Apr. 2s, 1942 

1. A HAM DISPLAY PACKAGE COMPRISING A CRADLE SUPPORT HAVING A FLAT BOTTOM, A PAIR OF END WALLS EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM OPPOSITE ENDS OF SAID BOTTOM, A PLURALITY OF CUSHIONING MEMBERS EXTENDING ANGULARLY BETWEEN EACH OF SAID END WALLS AND SAID BOTTOM, A HAM OF IRREGULAR SHAPE SEATED ON SAID SUPPORT BOTTOM, SAID SUPPORT BOTTOM BEING POSITIONED WITH ITS CENTER IN APPROXIMATE VERTICAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE VERTICAL CENTER OF GRAVITY OF SAID HAM, SAID HAM ENGAGING SAID CUSHIONING MEMBERS AND SAID END WALLS, SAID HAM HAVING A CUT SURFACE FACING UPWARDLY IN VISIBLE POSITION BETWEEN THE PLANES OF SAID END WALLS, AN ADHESIVE STRIP EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTALLY AROUND THE SIDES OF SAID HAM, AND A SECOND ADHESIVE ADHERED TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID END WALLS TO HOLD SAID END WALLS AGAINST SAID HAM, AND A SECOND ADHESIVE STRIP EXTENDING VERTICALLY AROUND SAID HAM AND ADHERED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID FLAT BOTTOM, SAID ADHESIVE STRIPS BEING ALIGNED WITH THE CENTER OF GRAVITY LINES OF THE PACKAGE SO AS TO ENHANCE THE STABILITY OF THE PACKAGE BY PREVENTING THE WEIGHT OF THE HAM FROM EXERTING ANY SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL PRESSURE AGAINST THE CRADLE SUPPORT. 